Veterans news: Freedom isn’t free

Friday marks the 238th anniversary commemorating the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Even though the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August 1776, the Fourth of July has always been considered the official anniversary of our nation’s independence from British rule. July 4th was finally declared a legal holiday in 1941.

During these 238 years, the tragic loss of human lives maintaining freedom and peace in the United States of America has shrouded our nation under a black cloud more than once when our nation fought in battles on our homeland or in world wars where tens of thousands of American citizens were slain and hundreds of thousands more were critically wounded or maimed for life. Somewhere along the way, someone said, “Freedom Isn’t Free!”

City after city across our nation erected monuments honoring our nation’s war dead and the military veterans who survived the horrors or war. Buildings, memorials, parks, schools, and streets were named after heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Veterans organizations were formed and many were named in honor of a local war hero.

Lafayette’s American Legion Post 69 is a key example of bestowing such an honor upon a hero who gave his life fighting for freedom and peace. In American Legion Post 69 decided to honor two brave local heroes, one from WWI and one from WWII. Each soldier was the first casualty of these wars from Lafayette and the surrounding area.

Lewis Stanley Martin – WWI. He was born in Lafayette on Aug. 25, 1900, the son of Dr. and Mrs. G.A. Martin. When the war began, Lewis enlisted in the Army at age 16 and was sent to France. His letters home were filled with patriotic fervor and his parents were pleased knowing he was doing his part in the war. In 1917, he was hospitalized after being subjected to a violent gas attack by the enemy. A telegram from Washington D.C. informed his parents of his death on July 20, 1917. His father, Dr. Martin, age 57, immediately wired President Wilson and offered his services overseas to avenge his son’s death.

Louis Felix Ducrest – WWII. He was born in Broussard on April 4, 1920. His father was a pharmacist and also served as the postmaster. In 1940, Louis enlisted in the Navy. He was assigned to the battleship USS Arizona. Louis was glad when the ship sailed for Pearl Harbor since he had relatives there. During the weekend of Dec. 6-7, Louis contacted his relatives but they had other plans so he returned to the USS Arizona with plans to see his relatives the following day. The next day, Dec. 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The family was notified a few days later that their son was listed as missing, and on Jan. 22, 1942, he was officially reported as killed in action.

Thus, “Stanley Martin/Felix Ducrest American Legion Post 69” became the official name of the Post.

The Freedom Festival, which celebrates our nation’s independence, will be held in front of the USS KIDD from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday. Reliable volunteers are needed in areas ranging from guest services, arts and crafts, staff backup, cleanup, game supervision and more. Time slots available are from 10 a.m. to noon, noon to 2, and 2-4. More than 25,000 visitors are expected to attend the Freedom Festival. Volunteers are also needed on free First Sundays. If you are available to help at either event, please contact Alejandra “Alex” Juan at 225-342-1942 Ext. 12 or AJuan@usskidd.com

FREE First Sunday

The first Sunday in July is next weekend on July 6th. The USS KIDD ship tour and the museum’s exhibition galleries are open to the general public and are free on the first Sunday of each month. Other museums in downtown Baton Rouge offering free admission on First Sundays of each month are: The Louisiana Art & Science Museum, the Old State Capitol and the LSU Museum of Art at the Shaw Center. Nearly 800 visitors have been taking advantage of the free First Sunday program.

Congratulations

On behalf of the Veterans News Column, a special “Salute” goes out to Marlene Foreman, coordinator of the We Honor Veterans program with Hospice of Acadiana, for being named the Louisiana State American Legion Auxiliary 2014, Woman of the Year. Congratulations, Marlene Foreman.

Carencro Veterans Memorial Groundbreaking Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Carencro City Hall, 210 E. St. Peter St. Contact Mayor Glenn Brasseaux, 337-896-8481.

Memorial Service for Vietnam Gold Star Mother Joyce Billeaud will be held at Martin & Castille Funeral Home in Scott at 2 p.m. today with visitation from 1-5. The Rosary will follow the Memorial Service. Veterans are encouraged to attend

Lloyd King is a retired resident of Lafayette, an award-winning author and decorated Vietnam veteran. Submit items of interest to vetmom01@aol.com